In a 1-sink kitchen, the most efficient way to wash dishes is to follow these steps:
Scrape and Pre-rinse: Before washing, scrape off any excess food from the dishes into the trash. Pre-rinse the dishes under running water to remove loose debris.
Organize: Clear the sink area and create a space for washing and drying. You can use a dish drying rack or a clean, empty countertop next to the sink.
Sorting: Sort the dishes based on their material and level of dirtiness. Group similar items together, such as glasses, plates, utensils, and pots/pans.
Hot Soapy Water: Fill the sink with hot water and add a suitable amount of dishwashing liquid. Ensure that the water level is sufficient to submerge and soak the dishes comfortably.
Soak and Scrub: Place the dishes into the soapy water, starting with the least soiled items. Allow them to soak for a few minutes to loosen any remaining food particles. While the dishes are soaking, you can start scrubbing the least dirty items using a sponge, brush, or dishcloth. Begin with glasses, then move on to plates and utensils.
Rinse: After scrubbing each dish, rinse it under running water to remove the soap residue. You can do this by using the spray attachment on your faucet or by filling a separate container with clean water for rinsing.
Dry: Once rinsed, place the washed dishes on a dish drying rack or a clean towel to air dry. You can also use a microfiber cloth to dry them manually if you prefer.
Repeat: Continue the process of soaking, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying the remaining dishes in the same manner until all are clean.
By following this method, you can efficiently wash your dishes in a 1-sink kitchen while ensuring that each item is thoroughly cleaned.